100 Things to Make Your Home Safer in One Minute or Less

Safety doesn’t take a lot of time, but it does take thought and planning. Not sure how to Commit a Minute to Safety? Pick one, 10 or 100 of the things below and get started today. You’ll see that sometimes it just takes a minute to avoid what could be a lifetime of regret.

1.    Test each smoke alarm in your home
2.    Replace the batteries in each smoke alarm
3.    Count how many smoke alarms you have in your house. If you do not have one on every level and near sleeping areas, purchase additional smoke alarms
4.    Designate an outside meeting place for your family (for example: the mailbox) in case of a fire or emergency
5.    Blow out candles before leaving the room or going to sleep
6.    Use a sturdy candle holder or hurricane lamp
7.    Turn down your hot water heater to 120 degrees or less to prevent burns
8.    Roll up your sleeves before you start cooking
9.    Have oven mitts nearby when cooking
10.    Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove
11.    Store all matches and lighters out of reach of children
12.    Put hot food and drinks near the center of the table only
13.    Put down your hot drink when carrying your baby
14.    Test hot water with an elbow before allowing a child to touch
15.    Post your fire escape plan on your refrigerator
16.    Put water on cigarette butts before throwing them away
17.    Unplug small appliances such as hair dryers and toasters after using them
18.    Use flameless candles
19.    Move anything that can burn, such as dish towels, at least three feet away from the stove
20.    Practice “Stop, Drop and Roll” with your kids
21.    Schedule an appointment to have your furnace cleaned and inspected
22.    Look for the UL Mark when you buy appliances
23.    Tell kids to stay away from the stove/oven
24.    Turn space heaters off before going to bed
25.    Remove any gasoline from your home
26.    Put non-slip strips in your tub and shower
27.    Install night lights in the hallway
28.    Put a flashlight in each bedroom
29.    Wipe up spills as soon as they happen to prevent slips and falls
30.    Use a sturdy Christmas tree stand
31.    Water your Christmas tree every day
32.    Keep your Christmas tree at least three feet away from any heat source
33.    Inspect your Christmas lights for signs of damage
34.    Flip over large buckets so water cannot accumulate and become a drowning danger
35.    Store cleaners and other poisons away from food
36.    Post the Poison Control hotline number (1-800-222-1222) next to your phone
37.    If you have young children, use cabinet locks on cabinets that have poisons such as antifreeze, cleaners, detergents, etc.
38.    Keep medicine in its original containers
39.    Purchase a carbon monoxide detector for your home
40.    Test your carbon monoxide (CO) alarm
41.    Put your infant to sleep on his/her back
42.    Remove any soft bedding, stuffed animals and pillows from your infant’s crib
43.    Cut your toddler’s food into small bites
44.    Use safety straps on high chairs and changing tables
45.    Check www.recalls.gov to see if any items in your home (including cribs) have been recalled
46.    Move cribs away from windows
47.    Use safety covers on unused electrical outlets
48.    Test small toys for choking hazards – if it fits in a toilet paper roll, it’s too small
49.    Remove all plastic bags from the nursery
50.    Pick up any small items, such as coins or buttons, that can be choking hazards for infants and toddlers
51.    Write down emergency contact information for your family and make sure everyone has these numbers
52.    If young children live in or visit your home, move furniture away from windows so they don’t climb up to look out and accidentally fall
53.    Tie window cords out of a child’s reach
54.    Check your child’s bath water temperature (use your wrist or elbow) to make sure it is not too hot
55.    Remove drawstrings from your baby’s clothing
56.    Keep the toilet lid shut to prevent little fingers from getting slammed by a falling lid
57.    If you have toddlers, install a toilet seat lock
58.    If you have young children, install door knob covers on bathroom doors
59.    Use a fireplace screen
60.    Put toys away after playing
61.    Don’t refer to medicine or vitamins as “candy”
62.    Put on safety glasses before any DIY project
63.    Put tools away after your DIY project is complete
64.    Post emergency numbers near your phone
65.    Pick up one new thing for your family’s emergency preparedness kit
66.    Use a ladder, not a chair, when climbing to reach something
67.    Use plastic instead of glass near the pool
68.    Cover any spa or hot tub when it is not in use
69.    Purchase a first aid kit
70.    Drain the bath tub immediately after bathing
71.    Remove clutter from the stairs
72.    Use the handrail when you are walking up or down the stairs
73.    If the power goes out, use flashlights instead of candles
74.    Ask smokers to smoke outside
75.    Wear proper shoes when climbing a ladder
76.    Check your home for too many plugs in one socket and fix the problem
77.    Install baby gates at the top and bottom of stairs if you have young children
78.    Never leave food cooking unattended
79.    Make sure pools or spas are properly fenced to keep out small children
80.    Teach kids to tell you when they see matches or lighters
81.    Turn out the lights when you leave the room
82.    Unplug appliances that aren’t in use (especially in the kitchen)
83.    Take your hair dryer off of the bathroom counter and store it safely
84.    Check your electronics for the UL Mark
85.    Identify two exits from every room with your kids in case of fire
86.    Check your holiday decorations – keep breakable decorations out of reach of young children
87.    Replace an old light bulb with a new energy-efficient option
88.    Check the walls for loose paint chips and re-paint with low-VOC or VOC-free paint
89.    Check all the outlets in your home for overloaded sockets or extension cords
90.    Remove any extension cords that are pulled under rugs or tacked up
91.    Place fire extinguishers in key areas of your home
92.    Place an escape ladder in an upstairs room that might not have an easy exit
93.    Remove any painted furniture that is pre-1978 to avoid possible lead exposure
94.    Lock medications safely in a cabinet
95.    Consider low-flow toilets
96.    Check that all major appliances are grounded and test your GFCIs
97.    Clean the lint trap and hose on your dryer
98.    Check your swing set for sharp edges or dangerous S-hooks
99.    Take a tour of your home from your child’s perspective looking for hazards
100.    Hold a family fire drill.

Article submitted by Brennan Purdy of State Farm Insurance

My vision is to be an insurance professional whose actions are driven by keeping the customer's best interest as my primary goal. My staff will treat all my customers in a caring, friendly, and professional manner. My office will provide warm, efficient, and seamless services to our customers at all times. I expect my business to be comprised of knowledgeable, multiple-line customers who see my office as their first and best choice for all their insurance and financial service needs

For more information on these and other home safety tips, stop by my office or visit www.brennanpurdy.com. My office is conveniently located in downtown Bethel. 203-798-7300.                   211 Greenwood Avenue , Bethel, CT 06801

 And a note From Judy: If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in Fairfield County, and are in need of an Realtor to represent you, I invite you to contact me, and if you have an idea for a topic that you would like to see on The CT Realty Blog, please include it in the "Post a Comment" section link below this post. We appreciate the feedback and look forward to providing you with the best real estate content, advice and service in Fairfield County, Connecticut.

Did You Buy or Sell a Home in 2011? Remember Your HUD-1 When Filing Your Taxes

When you buy or sell a home, you will receive in HUD-1 Statement in your closing documents. There are a variety of fees associated with your closing that you can write off on your income tax.

If you cannot find the statement, call the attorney who handled your closing. He/she will have that on file. It is important that you contact your accountant or professional tax preparer to take advantage of these write-offs.

Click Here for a detailed article describing your HUD-1 settlement statement


and here for possible write-offs.

And a note From Judy: If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in Fairfield County, and are in need of an Realtor to represent you, I invite you to contact me, and if you have an idea for a topic that you would like to see on The CT Realty Blog, please include it in the "Post a Comment" section link below this post. We appreciate the feedback and look forward to providing you with the best real estate content, advice and service in Fairfield County, Connecticut.

8 Things Never To Do With an Extension Cord

Extension cords are a convenient way to bring power to electrical devices. Used without proper caution, however, they can become a fire hazard and pose a risk to your personal safety. Follow these tips to help keep your home safe:

Selecting extension cords
•    Purchase only cords that have been approved by an independent testing laboratory.
•    For outdoor projects, use only extension cords marked for outdoor use.
•    Read the instructions (if available) for information about the cord’s correct use and the amount of power it draws when running.
•    Select cords that are rated to handle the wattage of the devices with which they’ll be used. A cord’s gauge indicates its size: The smaller the number, the larger the wire and the more electrical current the cord can safely handle.
•    Also consider the length you’ll need. Longer cords can’t handle as much current as shorter cords of the same gauge.
•    Choose cords with polarized or three-prong plugs.
•    For use with larger appliances, thick, round, low-gauge extension cords are best. For smaller appliances and electronics, you can use thin or flat cords.

Using extension cords
•    Never remove an extension cord’s grounding pin in order to fit it into a two-prong outlet.
•    Avoid powering multiple appliances with one cord.
•    Never use indoor extension cords outdoors.
•    Don’t plug multiple cords together.
•    Don’t run extension cords under rugs or furniture.
•    Never tape extension cords to floors or attach them to surfaces with staples or nails.
•    Don’t bend or coil cords when they’re in use.
•    Cover unused cord receptacles with childproof covers.
•    Stop using extension cords that feel hot to the touch.

Caring for extension cords
•    Always store cords indoors.
•    Unplug extension cords when they’re not in use.
•    Throw away damaged cords.
•    Pull the plug—not the cord—when disconnecting from the outlet.

And remember that extension cords are intended as temporary wiring solutions. If you find you’re using them on a permanent basis, consider updating your home’s electrical system.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. Nor is it intended to effect coverage under any policy. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information. We assume no liability in connection with the information nor the suggestions made.

Article submitted by Brennan Purdy of State Farm Insurance

My vision is to be an insurance professional whose actions are driven by keeping the customer's best interest as my primary goal. My staff will treat all my customers in a caring, friendly, and professional manner. My office will provide warm, efficient, and seamless services to our customers at all times. I expect my business to be comprised of knowledgeable, multiple-line customers who see my office as their first and best choice for all their insurance and financial service needs

For more information on these and other home safety tips, stop by my office or visit www.brennanpurdy.com. My office is conveniently located in downtown Bethel. 203-798-7300.                   211 Greenwood Avenue , Bethel, CT 06801

 And a note From Judy: If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in Fairfield County, and are in need of an Realtor to represent you, I invite you to contact me, and if you have an idea for a topic that you would like to see on The CT Realty Blog, please include it in the "Post a Comment" section link below this post. We appreciate the feedback and look forward to providing you with the best real estate content, advice and service in Fairfield County, Connecticut.

Selling Your Connecticut Home? All Real Estate Agents are NOT Created Equal.

A real estate  company's offerings, and the individual agent's offerings even within that company, are as different as  fingerprints or snowflakes.  Put a different real estate firm into the mix, and your representation can be as different as night and day.

Far too often, a homeowner or homebuyer will contact a real estate agent,  either by phone or by email, and just work with that agent, not realizing that every agent offers different services, and different levels of service  that may be more appealing for their particular situation. Most often, additional services, or levels of service do not come at a higher price. It's just the way the particular agent conducts his/her business.

Let's take for example, a typical  Home Seller scenario, and some of the questions one might ask. The answers will vary greatly from agent to agent. If you don't like what you hear, move on.

Q: How often will you contact me? I've heard horror stories. And, how accessible are you? How quickly do you return calls? and finally, is this your only job?

Some agents may think that once a month is sufficient to contact you, others once a week, and yet others only contact you if and when there is an offer. Better to get this question answered right away. Also, there are many agents who  supplement their income with other jobs, and may not be ready on a moments notice for buyers or issues that can come up that require immediate attention.  A return call should happen very quickly, and there are very few excuses for not doing so, period.

Q: What is your commission?

Commission is negotiable by law.  Generally speaking the "big box" companies are not as flexible with the company policy on fees, and their agents can't be either. What happens if a buyer is unrepresented? What happens if your listing agent is also the selling agent? What happens if your home sells within 14 days? Any changes to the commission? Now is the time to ask.

Q: How can I prepare to show my home? Do you help me to stage it properly? Do you give me advice on that? Is there an additional cost?

Most every home needs some degree of staging to sell it at the highest and best price with the least amount of inconvenience to you. Staging can be as quick as removing family photos, but as detailed as removing and replacing furniture, painting, and doing some redecorating.  Be wary of an agent that doesn't even mention this, or that hires an outside staging contractor for assistance, unless your home is indeed VERY special, and/or considered the creme de la creme in your town. At that point, it probably needs very little.  Vacant new construction homes however, may need a specialist.  

Q: Do you have any testimonials?

No testimonials on demand? Show that agent the door.  One line testimonials don't cut the mustard either. Look for detailed testimonials.

Q. How did you arrive at the price of my home?

Your market analysis should be so detailed and complete  that YOU should be able to see what the correct price is for your home, without the agent ever telling you what it is. Beware of the fluffy presentation with only a few comparables.

Q: How are you going to advertise my home?

There are many avenues to sell your home. A great marketing plan includes all of them. Broker to Broker,  Broker to Consumer, and then the various outlets pertaining to both, such as the major listing aggregators,  enhanced presence in multiple online websites, and let's not forget social media. Just so you know, a custom brochure for your home that is more than a photo and MLS description is NOT standrad for most agents.

Q. Will you (or one of your team members) be at the closing ?

Many agents do not attend the closing, and that is when all heck can break loose. Not having your agent there is a recipe for disaster.

Your relationship with your Realtor  is paramount to having the best experience possible. Your confidence, or lack of confidence in what your agent is or is not doing can make things very uncomfortable during  such an emotional  time as selling your home.  A bad relationship can cost you thousands of dollars, too. Ask the questions up front, and if you don't like what you hear, just move on. There is another agent who will appreciate your business much more. That's me.

And a note From Judy: If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in Fairfield County, and are in need of an Realtor to represent you, I invite you to contact me, and if you have an idea for a topic that you would like to see on The CT Realty Blog, please include it in the "Post a Comment" section link below this post. We appreciate the feedback and look forward to providing you with the best real estate content, advice and service in Fairfield County, Connecticut.

On Connecticut Housing: Is the Foreclosure Crisis Behind Us?

This has already been going on longer than it should, but the short answer, unfortunately is NO. Surprisingly there are not that many available foreclosure properties that are even listed for sale right at this moment.  Take a look at this Alphabetical list by Towns of Upcoming Foreclosure Auctions for the entire state of Connecticut. Based upon all that anyone even having a remote clue as to how many foreclosures there are, will most certainly be surprised at how few sales are being conducted.

Considering that we already know how much of this type of inventory is going to be coming on the market in the next few years, it seems like slow torture.

Zillow contends that more than one in four American homeowners were "under water" or owed more than their homes were worth in the final quarter of 2011.

Foreclosures were stalled in 2011 due to "robo-signing" scandal, where foreclosure documents were signed without the proper review of individual cases, which prompted banks to hold back on new foreclosures. In February, five major banks struck a settlement on the scandal that covered 49 states.

Unfortunately, indicators are that the pace of foreclosures is starting to pick up again,  and may even surpass the number of actions that were begun in 2010.

RealtyTrac (foreclosure marketplace) estimated that foreclosures in January and February rose significantly in 21 states from 2011,  and jumped over 40 percent from last year in a number of major cities. Most housing experts believe this will delay any type of sustained recovery within the next two to three years.

I would tend to agree. Last year's scandal and ensuing settlement held the dogs off, but that couldn't last forever.

The market still has a long way to recovery. Sure, we will see pockets of normalcy, but until the foreclosure crisis is even nearly over, it simply can't happen. If you are nearing crisis levels on your home, or know someone who is,  be proactive now.  The market is not expected to come back soon enough to bail you out.

If you need help keeping your home, contact your attorney and/or bank or any VERIFIED state agency.

PLEASE Be careful of the multitude of scammers out there who will take your money while saying that they are trying to help you, and don't.

And a note From Judy: If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in Fairfield County, and are in need of an Realtor to represent you, I invite you to contact me, and if you have an idea for a topic that you would like to see on The CT Realty Blog, please include it in the "Post a Comment" section link below this post. We appreciate the feedback and look forward to providing you with the best real estate content, advice and service in Fairfield County, Connecticut.